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Nwsl WomenSeason 2025

North Carolina Courage W vs Portland Thorns W

17 August 2025 at 00:30WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary

Match Summary

North Carolina Courage W and Portland Thorns W drew 1:1. The match was played in NWSL Women 2025. Goals were scored by O. Moultrie 44′, T. Lussi 70′. 2 yellow cards were shown. North Carolina Courage W had 50% possession while Portland Thorns W held 50%. North Carolina Courage W had 4 shots (2 on target) compared to 1 (0 on target) for Portland Thorns W. North Carolina Courage W made 5 substitutions, Portland Thorns W made 4.

Match Events

Key match events between North Carolina Courage W and Portland Thorns W — 2 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.

Match Statistics

North Carolina Courage W had 50% possession against Portland Thorns W's 50%. North Carolina Courage W registered 4 shots (2 on target) while Portland Thorns W managed 1 (0 on target). Corner kicks: 2–0. Fouls committed: 2–2.

Shots on Goal
2
0
Shots Off Goal
1
0
Total Shots
4
1
Blocked Shots
1
1
Shots inside the Box
2
1
Shots outside the Box
2
0
Fouls
2
2
Corner Kicks
2
0
Offsides
1
1
Ball Possession
50%
50%
Yellow Cards
0
0
Red Cards
0
0
Goalkeeper Saves
0
1
Total Passes
131
131
Accurate Passes
111
105
Pass Accuracy
85%
80%
Expected Goals (xG)
0
0
Goals Prevented (xGP)
0
0

Lineups

North Carolina Courage W lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Nathan Thackeray, while Portland Thorns W deployed a 4-3-3 under Robert Peter Tabo Gale.

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for North Carolina Courage W is 7.15, compared to — for Portland Thorns W. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. North Carolina Courage W's highest-rated starter is A. Sanchez (7.35), while Portland Thorns W's best-rated player is —.

Attacking Output

The starting XI of North Carolina Courage W have contributed 7 goals and 4 assists this season, led by A. Sanchez (5G). Portland Thorns W's starters account for 9 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by H. Sugita (5G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.

Defensive Solidity

North Carolina Courage W deploy 3 defenders rated 7.09 on average, against Portland Thorns W's 3-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.

Midfield Control

North Carolina Courage W field 5 midfielders averaging 7.11, versus Portland Thorns W's 5 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.

Forward Threat

North Carolina Courage W start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.35, compared to 2 for Portland Thorns W averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.

Passing & Build-Up

Passing accuracy averages 79% for North Carolina Courage W and —% for Portland Thorns W. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.

Discipline

North Carolina Courage W's starters have collected 1 yellow cards this season, compared to 2 for Portland Thorns W. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.

Age & Experience

The average age of North Carolina Courage W's starting XI is 24.2 (youngest: R. Jackson (20), oldest: R. Williams (29)), while Portland Thorns W average 25.0 (youngest: O. Moultrie (20), oldest: H. Sugita (28)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.

Squad Depth

North Carolina Courage W's starters average 7 league appearances each, versus 20 for Portland Thorns W. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.

North Carolina Courage W4-3-34-3-3Portland Thorns W
GKDEFMIDFWD
1Murphy3Kurtz13Williams14Lussi27Bell10O'Sulli.8Pinto16Jackson2Sanchez34Matsuku.77Gomes18Arnold29Mckenzie16Hiatt5Obaze2Reyes21Fleming17Coffey8Sugita13Moultrie19Tordin66Turner

Substitutes

Coach: Nathan Thackeray

Substitutes

Coach: Robert Peter Tabo Gale

North Carolina Courage WPosition StrengthPortland Thorns W
7.15
Avg Rating
7.09Defender (3 v 3)
0G 3A0G 0A
7.11Midfielder (5 v 5)
2G 1A6G 0A
7.35Forward (2 v 2)
5G 0A3G 0A
North Carolina Courage W4-3-3
1GoalkeeperC. Murphy
3DefenderK. Kurtz
13DefenderR. Williams7.13A
14DefenderT. Lussi
27MidfielderM. Bell7.1
10MidfielderD. O'Sullivan
8MidfielderB. A. Pinto
16MidfielderR. Jackson6.9
34MidfielderM. Matsukubo7.32G1A
2ForwardA. Sanchez7.35G
77ForwardAline Gomes
Portland Thorns W4-3-3
18GoalkeeperM. Arnold
16DefenderS. Hiatt
5DefenderI. Obaze
2DefenderR. Reyes
29MidfielderM. Mckenzie
21MidfielderJ. Fleming
17MidfielderS. Coffey1G
8MidfielderH. Sugita5G
19MidfielderP. Tordin
13ForwardO. Moultrie3G
66ForwardR. Turner

Rivalry since 2019

North Carolina Courage W vs Portland Thorns W Head to Head Results· 16

North Carolina Courage W and Portland Thorns W have met 16 times — North Carolina Courage W won 5, Portland Thorns W won 5, with 6 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. A combined 44 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.75 per match (26 for the home side, 18 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 8 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 8 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Portland Thorns W are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–3 in 2023.

Total goals
44 · 2.8/match
Both scored
8/16 · 50%
Over 2.5
8/16 · 50%

Recent Meetings

Highest-scoring game: 33 v 2023

Recent Form

WWonDDrawnLLost

In their last 6 matches, North Carolina Courage W have recorded 1 win, 2 draws and 3 defeats. Portland Thorns W show 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.

Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 11 May 2026